St. Luke's, Ramsgate

As Christians we have change loyalties and allegiances. We no longer follow the ways of the world, but of Jesus Christ. So, how then are we to relate to a world that has rejected our Lord? In particular, how are we to relate to the authorities and those who are bosses over us?

Church has changed in recent months as we have spent months away from the building we are used to meeting in. But, what is the church fundamentally?

In this passage Peter gives a vision for what he thinks the church is.

The shape of our lives has been transformed by the Coronavirus. We behave differently and in some ways even think differently as a result.

In this passage Peter writes that Christians should be shaped by their new relationship with God. Now they have a future hope, are freed from sin and have God as their Father their lifestyle and thinking should be transformed.

How are Christians to live when they feel out of place in the world? When they are in small scattered groups surrounded by those who do not follow Jesus. These are the kind of people Peter writes to with words of great encouragement!

Jesus claims that to do what he says is the wise choice. Yet most of us don't like having to do what others say! So, why choose to follow Jesus and do what he says?

As Jesus comes to the end of his Sermon on the Mount, he helps us consider the choices we face around following him. In doing so he urges us not to look at things superficially!

What kind of person does God want us to be? As Jesus draws to the conclusion of the sermon on the mount, he sums up his teaching on what kind of person he wants us to be, by showing simply how to relate to God and other people.

Jo Kelly-Moore, Archdeacon of Canterbury reflects on Paul's prayer in Colossians 1:9-14 on Trinity Sunday.

Gordon Warren reflects on Nehemiah's prayer for Jerusalem. It is a masterclass that we can learn from as we consider how to pray for our church today.

Jesus says very clearly, 'Do not Judge!' But how are we meant to understand that? Are there exceptions? Should I serve on a jury? Can I judge who is safe to look after my children? Is it ever right to point out someone's fault? If so, what do I need to be careful about?

As ever, Jesus's wisdom helps us flourish in this area of life.